CVE-2024-39780 in ROS
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2025
A YAML deserialization vulnerability was found in the Robot Operating System (ROS) 'dynparam', a command-line tool for getting, setting, and deleting parameters of a dynamically configurable node, affecting ROS distributions Noetic and earlier. The issue is caused by the use of the yaml.load() function in the 'set' and 'get' verbs, and allows for the creation of arbitrary Python objects. Through this flaw, a local or remote user can craft and execute arbitrary Python code. This issue has now been fixed for ROS Noetic via commit 3d93ac13603438323d7e9fa74e879e45c5fe2e8e.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2025
The YAML deserialization vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-39780 represents a critical security flaw within the Robot Operating System (ROS) ecosystem, specifically affecting ROS distributions up to and including Noetic. This vulnerability resides within the dynparam command-line tool, which serves as a crucial interface for managing dynamic parameters in ROS nodes. The flaw fundamentally stems from the improper handling of YAML input data through the use of yaml.load() function calls, creating a pathway for malicious code execution that directly compromises system integrity. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of parameter management in ROS environments, where the dynparam tool is commonly used for both local system administration and remote parameter configuration across distributed robotic systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent capabilities of Python's YAML parsing libraries, where yaml.load() function processes untrusted input and constructs Python objects directly from the serialized data. This behavior creates a dangerous attack surface where crafted YAML payloads can trigger the instantiation of arbitrary Python objects, including those that execute system commands or load malicious modules. The flaw manifests specifically in the 'set' and 'get' verbs of the dynparam tool, where parameter values are processed through the vulnerable YAML parsing mechanism. This design choice allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that bypass normal input validation and directly exploit Python's object instantiation capabilities, effectively transforming legitimate parameter configuration operations into potential code execution vectors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which categorizes deserialization of untrusted data as a critical weakness that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, creating significant risks for robotic systems that rely on ROS for their core functionality. Local attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to systems running affected ROS versions, while remote exploitation becomes possible when the affected systems are exposed to network traffic. The implications are particularly severe in industrial robotics, autonomous vehicles, and automated manufacturing environments where ROS is extensively deployed. Attackers could potentially manipulate robot behavior, access sensitive data, or disrupt critical operations by injecting malicious code through parameter configuration. The vulnerability affects not just individual systems but entire robotic networks where parameter synchronization and configuration management are critical components of system operation, making this a systemic risk rather than an isolated incident.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-39780 require immediate action to update affected ROS installations, with the fix already implemented in ROS Noetic through commit 3d93ac13603438323d7e9fa74e879e45c5fe2e8e. Organizations should prioritize patching all systems running ROS Noetic or earlier distributions to prevent exploitation. The recommended approach involves replacing yaml.load() with yaml.safe_load() to prevent object instantiation from untrusted input, following the principle of least privilege in YAML processing. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems, particularly in environments where ROS tools are accessible over networks. The fix demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in robotics software development, where the integration of standard security measures like input validation and safe deserialization techniques can prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual parameter configuration patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential deserialization vulnerabilities in ROS-dependent systems. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded and robotics systems where the consequences of security flaws can extend beyond traditional information technology risks to physical safety and operational integrity.